By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
Following a boil water advisory issued in December, the City of Hoisington is moving forward with a waterline replacement for approximately four blocks under K-4 Highway. A water main broke last month causing the advisory for city residents and customers of Barton County Rural Water District #1.
Hoisington City Manager Jonathan Mitchell said between $400,000 and $500,000 will be spent to replace the water main under the street.
"Crews will be putting valves in at every intersection so we'll be able to isolate leaks when they happen," said Mitchell. "We'll also be putting in a third fire hydrant to make sure we have adequate service in that area."
The stretch of K-4 to be repaired will be from Center Street to just west of Main Street.
Mitchell said the water line project will be done in advance of a full-depth concrete replacement on the same section of K-4. The 100-day project will be broken up into three phases, causing inconvenience to home owners on the street.
"What they're telling us is four to six weeks per phase," said Mitchell. "So if you live on the south side of the street, you won't be able to use your driveway, or access the road, for four to six weeks. The north side will be the same thing. It'll be an inconvenient project, but when it's done you shouldn't need significant repairs for a long time."
Mitchell noted no start date for the project has been announced, but the city will notify the public as soon as possible.